Tubal Ligation

What is Tubal Ligation?

Tubal ligation surgery is the most common form of female sterilization, to prevent pregnancy. Nonetheless, it may be a good option for women and their partners. Unquestionably, they do not wish to become pregnant in the future. Moreover, healthcare professionals can use different techniques to perform tubal sterilization. And they consider the procedure a permanent type of birth control.

Who is a Candidate for the Procedure?

Adult women who have completed their families.
Women whose health would be at risk if they were to become pregnant.
Adult women who are in a stable relationship and their partners. Therefore, agree to tubal ligation as a form of permanent birth control.
Individuals who have, or their partner has a genetic disorder. Thus, they agree they do not wish to pass it on.

On the other hand, if you are not certain that you will never wish to become pregnant in the future, then this procedure may not be the best choice for you.

How do Surgeons Perform the Procedure?

Doctors can perform a tubal ligation surgery in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center. During the surgery, they either cut and seal both fallopian tubes or block them to prevent future pregnancies. The procedure is done under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, which numbs the body from the waist down. Sometimes if the patient wants, the tubal ligation can be done right after childbirth while the mother is already numb from the anesthesia used during delivery.

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and involves the following steps:

First, the doctor makes a few tiny incisions near the belly button, and possibly one in the lower abdomen as well.
Second, the doctor uses gas to inflate the abdomen to make it easier to access the fallopian tubes.
Third the doctor inserts a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) into one of the incisions to view the fallopian tubes. The doctor also uses other special surgical instruments that are inserted through the laparoscope to reach and hold onto the fallopian tubes.
Then, the doctor seals off the tubes using one of many techniques, such as cutting, banding, tying, clamping, or sealing with electric current.
After both tubes have been sealed the doctor closes the incisions with one or two stitches and covers them with small surgical dressings.

What is the Success Rate of Tubal Ligation?

To be sure, the risk of pregnancy after tubal ligation is <1 in 200. Tubal ligation is 99% effective and very few women get pregnant after undergoing tubal ligation.

How does the Procedure Compare to Other Forms of Birth Control?

At length, tubal sterilization has many advantages over other forms of birth control including:

Works immediately.
You can perform it immediately after childbirth.
No schedule monitoring or daily pills are necessary.
Does not create hormone imbalance side effects like other contraceptives.

Can You Reverse Tubal Ligation?

Indeed, surgeons consider tubal sterilization a permanent procedure to prevent pregnancy. In any event, Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery can sometimes reverse it. Although, the ability to reverse the tubal sterilization depends on the type of technique used to perform the initial ligation. Thus, the success rate of the reversal procedure is between 45% and 80%.

What are the Risks of Tubal Sterilization Surgery?

Infection.
Side effects related to anesthesia.
Damage to nearby abdominal organs.
Failed sealing of a fallopian tube resulting in pregnancy.
Post-tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS).
Ectopic pregnancy after tubal ligation.
Bleeding from the incision site or internal abdominal bleeding.

Side Effects

After undergoing tubal ligation. You may experience a typical recovery period lasting between one and three weeks, during which you may encounter:

Gas.
Fatigue.
Dizziness
Shoulder Pain.
Abdominal Pain.
Discomfort or Pain at the Incision Site.

Will Tubal Sterilization affect my Menstrual Cycle?

You will continue to have menstrual periods. However, some women may experience irregularities in length, flow volume, or cycle days.

How much does Tubal Ligation Surgery cost?

The cost of tubal ligation varies, but it generally falls between $5,000 and $10,000. Pricing depends on individual circumstances. During your initial consultation at IBI Advanced GYN Center, a surgeon will discuss specific costs. Flexible financial options exist for eligible candidates. Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the surgery. Note that some plans only cover women over 21.